My experience with Wes, started when I had been placed on administrative leave while serving as a Civilian Government employee. The reason was due to a positive urinalysis for marijuana. I was searching for an attorney that could assist me in my defense and the one I contacted directed me to W...es. I met him in his office, we discussed my situation, which was dire, because of the stigma that marijuana has with the government. I told him that I had not knowingly used and that I believed that I had somehow been exposed while at a birthday party at a friend’s house. This is what I also told my leadership at the time and they flat out did not believe me. The government’s view was that I was guilty and did not deserve a chance to prove it.
I appealed my proposed removal to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). Which is in place to hear and decide discrepancies for government employees. This process is lengthy and does not move quickly. While awaiting my appeal, I was removed from my position and had to find other employment while my case moved through system. Wes was there with me 100%. We stayed in constant contact, and he allowed me to assist in my own defense. We both researched case law that would support my defense. He did not dismiss my attempts to assist in my defense but welcomed it. We both knew that we were in an uphill battle against the government and that chances were slim that we would be successful. He in no way disillusioned me or gave me false hope that we would come out victorious but he did work hard mounting a defense that we could bring forth in court. I keep saying we because he made me feel that I was not alone in my battle and that I was a part of my defense.
He never pressured me about payment, and we work out an amicable fee, that I could afford based on my financial situation. When the time came to appear in court, Wes was very prepared and ensure that I was also prepared for the assault that the government would launch against my past, my career and my integrity. It was determined that my case was the first case in Colorado concerning a Civilian government employee accused of illegally using marijuana. With the legalization of marijuana in Colorado, we knew that this would be an uphill battle, but Wes had done some outstanding research and we were as prepared as we could possibly be. He presented our case to the Administrative Judge, and we won! As a result, I was awarded full restoration to my position, back pay, and attorney’s fees based on the Judge’s decision. The argument that Wes presented forced the government to change their regulation concerning the charging of civilians for misuse of illegal substances.
If you are looking for an attorney that will be upfront with you and go to the mat for you, Wes is the attorney that you want. He is relentless in his defense of his clients and will do everything possible to ensure that you are “defended.” He saved my career, and afforded me an opportunity to move forward with my life. Wes McConnell, is an attorney that will “be there” for you!